Painted trotters return to village to promote arts, racing history

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At last year's evevnt, Robin Knoblock of Goshen stands with her artistically created horse that illustrates Goshen’s history on one side and highlights of Goshen events on the other. (File photo by Geri Corey)

Goshen — The popular “Painted Trotters of Goshen” will again be trotting into the village’s downtown.

In an effort to promote the arts and generate awareness and enthusiasm for Goshen’s horse racing history, the project places numerous plywood cutouts of horses around Goshen’s business district.

Each horse is beautifully painted by a local artist in their own style.

The horses will be officially unveiled at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame on Monday, June 18 at 6 p.m.

“We like showcasing the local artist talent here at the Harness Racing Museum, especially when the subject is horses," Museum Director Janet Terhune said. "These artists have great vision and style, and demonstrate the Cradle of the Trotter, Goshen very well.”

The idea for the Painted Trotters was inspired by the Newburgh Light bulb Project, where artists decorate cutouts of light bulbs to pay homage to Thomas Edison’s legacy in Newburgh.

In Goshen, the artists are coordinated by the Goshen Art League.

Goshen High School’s Technology Department, led by teacher Joseph Fedor, produced the specialized trotting horse-shaped plywood cutouts using a computerized cutting system.

Local builders Jared Quattrini, Ray Quattrini and engineer Gerry Hluchan designed and built the bases for the cutouts.

After the unveiling, the painted trotters will be placed downtown so as to coincide with racing season at the historic track.

“We are so excited for this year’s expanded project," said Mayor Roddey. "Horse racing has always been a huge part of Goshen’s identity and this project will create a beautiful way to represent our history. I am so thankful for the support of the Goshen Art League, the high school’s Technology Department, and Janet Terhune and the Harness Racing Museum for their generosity.”